Computing

At Our Lady of Grace we understand the importance of equipping the children with the skills they will need in an increasingly technology focused world.

As a result of the changes in the new curriculum, there is a much greater focus on programming skills and all year groups will include an element of coding in their curriculum this year. They will be using Espresso Coding and Scratch to learn the required programming and debugging skills which will help them with their problem solving abilities across all subjects. They will also be learning more about how computers and networks (including the world wide web) work in addition to working more collaboratively with other children both within and outside of the school.

In addition, each year the children are also taught specific skills using a variety of different programmes including: basic Microsoft Programmes such as Word, Powerpoint, Publisher and Excel and more creative programmes such as J2E, Windows Movie Maker, Photostory, Compose World Junior, Picasa, and Sketch Up amongst others. The use of web based programs such as J2E and My Maths is encouraged to enable children to continue their work from home.

They have a computing lesson timetabled fortnightly. This may take place in our fully equipped ICT suite, where every child has their own laptop or using one of our Ipads at their desk in the classroom. They will often use computers in a cross curricular capacity during other lessons too.

E Safety

Teaching children how to be safe when using the internet is a key element of our E-Safety programme. All year groups have lessons each year which teach them about some of the potential dangers when using the internet. They are taught key safety rules using a variety of different activities that are appropriate to their age. All children and their parents sign a responsible internet usage policy when starting the school. Advice on keeping your child safe when using the internet can be found in the downloadable leaflet below.

Social networking sites such as Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter are very popular with young people (even those of primary age) as they allow young people to be creative online and keep in touch with their friends.

However, (unless the site is specifically aimed at younger children) these sites stipulate a minimum user age of 13 as they are not suitable for children below that age. Please see further information and guidance in the leaflet below about young people and social networking.